Fine carving of a Fu Dog with its cub. It dates from the middle of the Qing period (1644 - 1912). Part of the skin (the rind of the pebble from which it was carved) has been left to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the carving. A Fu dog or Buddhist Lion with a cub, tai shi shai shi, conveys a wish that the son may rise to the status of a high-ranking official just as his father has done. Length 5.4 cm. Width 2.6 cm. Height 2.9 cm. Weight 51.2 grams.